Fallen Heroes

Private John Dion, 19, of Shattuck, died on January 3, 2010, from injuries he suffered in an attack on his unit in Ashoque, Afghanistan. Private Dion was one of three soldiers killed; he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.

Captain David Thompson, 39, of Hooker, died January 29, 2010, in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained while supporting combat operations. Captain Thompson was one of two soldiers killed; he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Specialist Charles Jirtle, 29, of Lawton, died June 7, 2010. Specialist Jirtle was one of four soldiers who died of wounds he suffered after an IED attack on his vehicle in Konar, Afghanistan. Specialist Charles Jirtle was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Specialist Andrew R. Looney, 22, of Owasso, died June 21, 2010 in Afghanistan, from wounds he suffered after a suicide bomber attacked his unit. Specialist Looney was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Combat Infantry Badge and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.